Frequently Asked Questions about QUIP
Do students find that QUIP helps them get their first job?
Absolutely! Many make lasting contacts and work at the same company upon graduation. Further, employers are currently very interested in obtaining graduates with quality, engineering-related experience. Incidentally, they also look for this experience in the diverse extra-curricular activities in which the graduates have been involved.
What about the length of the internship?
One of the advantages of QUIP is its length. Students appreciate a longer-term work experience because they can do more substantial projects, experience more aspects of that industry, and make stronger contacts, to name but a few of the benefits. Employers are more motivated to make an investment in training and supervising because the work term is longer and the students will provide greater benefit to the company.
Why is it offered to second and third year students?
Students appreciate a long-term internship after their second or third year because they feel that they have more to contribute with two or three years of engineering education behind them. Employers really appreciate the opportunity to train highly competent engineering students, and for this reason some make it a point to hire only Queen's interns.
What if I don't get a job I want? Am I forced to accept a particular job?
No. A great feature of this program is that it is completely optional. Students can apply for the internship program and see if they receive the placement that they want. They do not have to accept a placement that is out of their field of interest. They can even decide not to do the program and continue their normal course of studies, however they are expected to apply only to those positions in which they have a serious interest. In traditional co-op programs, one may not necessarily find work in one's field of interest through the program and may need to search for placements independently, or accept a position one doesn't want, in order to remain in the program.
What are the benefits of only having to move once?
QUIP allows you to gain valuable work experience without compromising your experiences on campus. Moving one's belongings and trying to settle into a new city can be stressful and expensive. As well, having to leave campus every four months limits the commitment one can make to extracurricular activities.
Is QUIP the only way for students to get engineering experience?
Queen's Engineering students are also able to get summer jobs in industry in the years they are not on internship. Career Services is one of the great resources available to help you find relevant summer jobs.
What about the Science Formal - can I still go?
Of course! The Science Formal is definitely worth the trip for many interns. Students who wish to attend the Science Formal are required to spend a number of hours working on its preparation, but reductions in the requirements are granted to QUIP students who request it. Below is a table outlining the requirements: (based on 2002-2003 calendar year. Requirements may change)
| Requirement Category | Total Hours | Final Week Minimum |
| Normal AppSci Student | 40 | 10 |
| 5th Year & Grad Students | 30 | 5 |
| QUIP intern within 400km | 15 | 0 |
| QUIP intern beyond 400km | 0 | 0 |
| Exchange Away from Queen's | 0 | 0 |
| Varsity Athlete | 20 | 0 |
| Competitive Club Member | 20 | 0 |
| EngSoc Executive and CHP Managers | 20 | 0 |
| Hosted Exchange Students | 35 | 10 |
Students who wish to be granted a reduction in their required hours must email sciformal@engsoc.queensu.ca to make the request.
